44. Monasterio – __ September

[NOTE: Post XXXIII describes my first visit to the Monasterio on 17 July.]

We do not go to the Monasterio until mid-afternoon on Selma’s last day in Arequipa, and have to rush through; but I’m glad to be back there, and both Ragna and Selma are enthralled by the place.

This time we do stop in the trattoria [over my whining that there's so much more to see, they'll miss it, etc. - though I'd thought the place looked quite appealing when I'd passed through here months ago] and order coffees and cookies.   I also have a huge fresh juice I desperately need after wandering around.  It’s indeed a quiet nook, and we liked what we ate and drank.   Extraordinarily peaceful at that hour, likely because everyone else has left or is rushing to see more before time’s up.

If you go, and aren’t strapped for cash, plan on a long, refreshing break in the trattoria.   Very comfortable, and — as I recall — prices not as far out of line as one might expect from the location.